The American Public Works Association-Minnesota Chapter is pleased to announce that Minneapolis has been selected as the site for the 2016 APWA International Public Works Congress and Exposition.

The 2016 APWA Congress and Expo will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, August 28-31, 2016.

The annual APWA Congress provides dynamic keynote speakers, world-class education sessions covering all areas of public works, as well as emerging trends in technology and sustainability. In addition, more than 400 exhibitors are expected to showcase cutting edge products and services.

The 2016 APWA Congress and Expo is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees from over 15 countries.

“The Minnesota Chapter is well positioned to host the 2016 Congress, “said Minnesota Chapter President John Rodeberg. “We are looking forward to showcasing the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and we know that with the dedication and energy of our chapter volunteers, the 2016 Congress will be an outstanding success!”

A prime route for Twin Cities’ commuters traveling between the metro area’s central and eastern communities, Highway 36 accommodates as many as 50,000 drivers daily.

This vital thoroughfare was originally constructed eight decades ago. Subsequent growth and development introduced traffic congestion, frequent delays, and the need for additional access connections and also produced driver impatience and frustration.

Signalized intersections along the route became increasingly dangerous—nearly 150 crashes occurred at the signaled intersection of Highway 36 and English Street in Maplewood alone during a three-year period, creating growing safety concerns.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) envisioned a reconstruction project at the Highway 36/English Street intersection as part of their goal to eliminate all at-grade signalized intersections along Highway 36, and transition the roadway to a limited-access highway to support the St. Croix Crossing project.

A variety of higher priority projects meant that a state-led effort to improve conditions at this Maplewood intersection was slated to remain an unrealized goal for years to come.

Determined to improve safety and general accessibility at this important site, officials with the City of Maplewood reached out to MnDOT in 2008 and offered to take the leadership role in its transformation. With MnDOT on board with the plan, the city went on to secure $7 million in federal funding to kick-start a major $17 million interchange project.

Partnering with MnDOT, Ramsey County, Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority, and the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, the city moved forward with plans to enhance safety and establish efficient movement through the area.

Under the project, signals were removed and a diamond interchange was designed and then constructed with a new bridge on English Street over Highway 36 and a replacement bridge on Bruce Vento Trail over Highway 36. Numerous local roadway improvements and access points also were introduced to improve connectivity for travelers around the interchange, through the area, and to and from local businesses. Utility and storm sewer upgrades were implemented, trails and walkways were added to promote bicycle and pedestrian movements, and the added connectivity bolstered access throughout the community for emergency responders.

Maplewood Fire Chief Steve Lukin is very satisfied with the upgrades.

“The end product greatly enhanced emergency access for our first responders where seconds can make a difference,” Lukin said.

Throughout the process, the City of Maplewood led public involvement activities and generated considerable feedback on community needs and concerns regarding noise, safety, access to businesses, and aesthetics. In fact, the feedback precipitated a significant change in the design of the interchange from an initial split diamond concept to the final standard diamond design.

Maplewood City Manager Chuck Ahl saw this project as a great example of government agencies working together effectively to meet the needs of citizens.

“Local residents and commuters are very pleased with the outcome,” he said. “This project truly is the product of strong partnerships at all stakeholder levels.”

To meet the terms associated with receipt of the additional financing needed from a variety of agency sources, the city had to accelerate the final design schedule. The consultant team of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. worked closely with the city develop a fast-track design process. The consultant team coordinated closely with MnDOT and other agencies to streamline the project approval process. Construction began in April 2013 and, building on the successful Highway 36 construction project in neighboring North St. Paul, the construction duration of the project was reduced considerably by closing this 1 mile stretch of Highway 36 for 75 days during the summer of 2013. This bold approach significantly shortened the impact of construction, which would ordinarily have lasted over a two-year period. MnDOT led the construction inspection on the project with support from Maplewood staff and the consultant team.

Eric Rustad served as the MnDOT project manager and felt the project was unique but effective in its delivery.

“This project utilized an A + B bidding system so the contractor had to account for closure time and lane rental fees,” he said. “The quicker the contractor could open Highway 36, the more credit they received in the bid selection process.”

Thanks to the city’s initiative and close collaboration with neighborhood working groups, MnDOT, and other agency stakeholders, this important safety and access project was completed in just eight months and will provide benefits for years to come.

One of the many responsibilities of public works managers is to maintain the concrete features of the properties for which they are responsible. These include sidewalks, curbs, steps, garage or basement floors, aprons adjoining driveways, patios, and recreation areas. When any of these are cracked, uneven, broken, sunken, or misaligned, it’s a maintenance issue that needs to be addressed. There are three options to consider: mudjacking, sandjacking, and replacement.

MudjackingMudjacking originated in 1929 as a method for raising and re-leveling highways. This process requires large (1 5/8 inch) holes be drilled through the surface of the concrete slab. A wet mixture of 65 percent limestone and 35 percent water is injected beneath so the slab so it can be hydraulically lifted back to its intended position. However the injected material typically stops short of spreading under and supporting the entire slab. This means that in the freeze/thaw cycle of Minnesota weather, the unfilled voids may become an avenue for water and cause the slab to settle again. (See images below.)

Because of the high moisture content in mudjacking material, evaporation is inevitable. Since the holes weaken the concrete, cracking is common especially under high traffic areas like driveways and garage floors. If a mudjacking slab settles, it usually doesn’t do so in the same way as before. Mudjacking a slab more than once often creates a need to replace the slab.

Engineers define mudjacking as “pressure point lifting” and consider it to be a temporary repair. On average, mudjacking lasts one to five years, depending on soil conditions. It has an overall resettlement rate of around 85 percent.

Sandjacking ™By comparison, sandjacking ™ is less invasive and has a five-year failure rate of less than 1 percent. Because of its long-lasting results, it can cost up to 50 percent more than mudjacking. (See images below.)

Sandjacking is a patented process launched in the 1990’s with distinctly different approaches from mudjacking:

On sidewalks that are 5-6 feet wide with access on both sides, braces and hydraulic jacks are used to lift and re-level the concrete.

A dry (2 percent moisture) limestone sand is blown in from the side for even distribution to support the slabs without leaving any voids or drill holes.

Sandjacking material achieves a 95-99 percent compaction rate, making it less susceptible to movement than wet mudjacking material.

If access to both sides is not possible, a minimal number of dime-sized holes may need to be drilled and then camouflaged with a color blend to match the surface.

Alongside steps, dirt is added if a sloping grade has washed out and polyurethane foam is sprayed to prevent washout and re-settling.

If drill holes are needed on stamped or decorative concrete, they are made on the seam or joint so it is easier to patch.

The landscaping next to any concrete piece being worked on is restored as part of a sandjacking job.

ReplacingIf a slab is broken in two or three places or has multiple cracks like a jigsaw puzzle, it should be replaced. This is especially the case if it is over 25 years old, has been mudjacked already or has surface deterioration from salt. Often, some sections need to be replaced while some can be sandjacked so a combination repair is commonplace.

When a facility manager sees a difference in height between concrete slabs or any settling or moving, it’s a sign that action needs to be taken. A school could possibly be sued if a visitor or student trips over cracked or uneven walkways or steps, so there is an urgency factor to consider. Also, it’s essential to direct rain away from building foundations, so adjoining cement pieces need to be properly sloped to prevent water from collecting next to a brick, stone, or foundation wall.

If cement slabs separate, the control joints between them open, or there is a gap between a sidewalk and the back of a curb, it’s time to gather repair bids and plan a repair or replacement budget accordingly.

While a homeowner who is planning to sell in a year or two may choose mudjacking as a short-term solution, professional facility managers typically look for a return on investment that precludes the same problem having to be repeatedly addressed. Especially for public facilities with high traffic patterns, sandjacking provides a value and reliability factor for an array of concrete repairs.

What are the ways to extend the service life of your concrete?

Control joints should always be caulked and sealed to prevent surface moisture from getting under a slab, thus causing frost heave or settling.

Caulking of joints protects the control joints and edges of concrete slabs, reducing damage from snow removal.

Directing water away from sidewalks reduces soil saturation and heaving.

Avoid burying drain pipes beneath exterior concrete.

Directing water under exterior concrete should include the installation of smooth, rigid PVC pipe – never use corrugated or perforated drain tile.

Advanced Sandjacking, Inc. has worked with public sector as well as commercial, industrial and residential clients on projects such as raising concrete floors, repairing sidewalks, and filling voids around entryways. For more info, visit: www.advancedsandjacking.com.

Our first organizational meeting was held June 5, 2014, where we established details such as the frequency of meetings, location, etc., as well as brainstormed ideas for committee tasks and goals.

Things that came out of the brainstorming are newsletter and web site updates; conference presentations or displays; tours of cool, historically relevant projects; continue with the “where are they now” series to reflect on past members; and, of course, creating a historical archive for the chapter. For example, did you know that Minnesota has hosted the National Congress in 2005, 1997, 1972, 1961, and 1944 (St Paul), which was two years before our Chapter Charter was approved!

In addition, a primary focus of the committee is to also develop something for our 70th anniversary in 2016, which coincides with the National Congress in Minneapolis.

If you are interested in joining this committee or have ideas on things we can do or what you want to see from the committee, please contact any of the committee members.

The Buckthorn Event at Maplewood City Hall Campus on Saturday, October 11, from 9 am to noon was a success! It was a perfect morning and a great chance to build relationships while getting some work done.

Our service project focused on hauling and piling invasive buckthorn -- a crucial step in woodland restoration. A few mountains of buckthorn were generated by the hard work of our members working along the shores of Wicklander’s Pond. Thank you to all who attended.

Please start thinking of ideas for next years’ service event and send them to your Environment and Sustainability Committee members. We are looking for ideas to create more excitement and increase turnout.

Despite the sleet and snow, nine professionals attended the event in addition to a dozen students. The event provided a great opportunity for students to make new connections and gain valuable insite into the professional world they are soon to enter.

Thank you to all of the professionals who attended the event. Social events with professionals always provide an excellent opportunity for students to expand their network within a casual environment. We hope that as word spreads about opportunities like this, we will continue to see increased participation within the student group and professionals alike.

3-D printing, also called “additive manufacturing,” is a disruptive innovation that has changed the manufacturing landscape. It's been applied to everything from medical technology to aerospace engineering to fashion.

3-D printing is also changing the world of infrastructure projects. More than providing design efficiencies for engineers, it is helping local and state governments streamline the public involvement process on large, complex transportation projects.

An efficient way to convey complex projects

Public involvement and agency coordination are critical components of any infrastructure project. Both have a common challenge in sharing understandable and technically rich design information.

What happens when a project manager at an agency and one of their many stakeholders can stand together in the same room and physically touch a project? Having an accurate physical representation of the project in your hands and visible from all angles makes visualizing the project easy for anyone. It’s a universally effective way to convey the complex details of a project while getting more informed, actionable feedback.

The advent of 3-D printing technology allows more flexibility to quickly assess and adjust a design as the project is refined through the design process. These alterations can be reflected in the model to give the public a continuous understanding of changes to the project’s scope. 3-D printed models can also be used to show the phases of a project by having removable parts that can then be added to represent the timeline.

How does it work in the real world? 3-D printed models have been used with great success at a series of public involvement meetings in Red Wing, Minnesota. The models have helped stakeholders quickly visualize the design of a new bridge over the Mississippi River.

The better, faster model for the future

Models have always been used to explain complex construction projects. But with the current technology available, models will likely become an expected component of public involvement work. Models will become relied upon to inform the public about any infrastructure changes happening in their community.

The use of physical models is not a new concept. Today, however, with 3-D printers and laser cutters—both with lightning-quick production speeds that do not compromise quality—we can introduce physical models with greater speed and less effort.

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The Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) comprises 900 members and is governed by an Executive Committee. Membership is open to any official or employee of a governmental agency, manufacturer, vendor/supplier, contractor or consulting firm actively engaged in the field of public works.

Participants will visit the exhibits during the Carnival. The conference program adjourns at 4:00 p.m., and the carnival will be held from 4:00-6:30 p.m. If you are interested in holding a “minute to win it” type event at your booth during the reception, please indicate this when you complete your online registration. View full information on the game requirements.

Exhibit space will be set up in Carriage Hall A. As noted above, the reception food, cash bars and carnival will be set up within this exhibit area.

2. Registration Deadlines and Fees (Registration must be completed online)Register Now

Each exhibitor is provided with two name tags. Electricity is available at your exhibit for a fee of $80. If you choose to order electricity onsite Thursday, you must pay an onsite set-up fee of $100, to Earle Brown Heritage Center directly. Please note that the two included name tags are for the vendor reception and carnival only. If you wish to attend the conference, you must register separately.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor and taking advantage of sponsor benefits for the 2017 Fall Conference and 2018 Chapter Events please contact Steve Albrecht at steve.albrecht@burnsvillemn.gov prior to October 3, 2017. All sponsorships include a one-year APWA Individual Membership for an employee of non-member organizations.

3. Set Up
Set up: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017
Take down: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017 (all exhibits MUST be removed by 8:00 p.m. at the latest).

The strength and vitality of APWA's Minnesota Chapter are attributed solely to the dedication and contributions of our members. Not only does a large percentage of our membership participate in chapter committees, event planning, and continuing education support, but we also focus on the external efforts needed to support the ongoing sustainability of our public works and civil engineering professions.

Our Fall Conference served as a reminder to us that we each have an obligation to educate young people about career opportunities and to share the stories of positive impacts that our work has on our daily lives. We heard from Minneapolis Public Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters about "plug and play" volunteer opportunities that exist for individuals as well as agencies. These are great opportunities that have been described in detail on our website. Go to http://www.apwa-mn.org/membership/education--and--outreach for more information.

In addition, we are looking for volunteers to help staff the APWA-MN exhibit booth and engage 8th-grade students at the upcoming Minneapolis Public Schools STEM Expo scheduled for February 21, 2018, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Please contact Marcus Thomas (marcusth@bolton-menk.com) for more information regarding this opportunity.

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Amanda Groh has worked in the Twin Cities for over 6 years following her graduation from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She currently lives in Savage, MN with her dog named Cuda who will chase geese from any park or trail possible. When asked what the nerdiest thing was about her, she admits to taking pictures of other municipal public infrastructure while on vacation! Amanda frequents APWA events and also hosts a hole at the annual golf outing so make sure to stop by and say hi.

Amanda also indicated that:

Her favorite travel spot is Austin, TX.

She really enjoys weekends on the lake with friends and family in the summer.

Her favorite type of food is Mexican.

Her spirit animal is a dog, both because they are loyal and enjoy naps.

Bring your friends and family and help shine a spotlight on civil engineering at Civil Engineering Day on April 28 at the Science Museum of Minnesota.

APWA-MN Chapter is co-sponsoring this special event as part of the Science’s Museum’s “Year of the Engineer,” which features science and engineering days, lectures, and exhibits.

Activity booths will be scattered throughout the exhibits, making the day a great opportunity to show others what civil engineering is about, while enjoying the Science Museum. You will have a chance to meet civil engineers and tinker with activities that address the challenges civil engineers face every day

The Science Museum will also be showing Dream Big, an IMAX film that follows several civil engineers making a difference in their world, showcases engineering marvels, and chronicles the journey of students in STEM challenges. The film is inspiring to students and heartwarming for seasoned engineers. You can also watch Dream Big at the Omnitheater until October.

I want to extend my sincerest thank you to the 2018 Executive Board who made this stipend available to me. My experience in Kansas City at the 2018 Public Work Expo was entirely positive and refreshing. During my time, I was able to learn about how other areas of our country are affected by problems similar to ours, I was able to meet other young professional APWA members from around the country, and I was able to build upon and strengthen the relationships with Minnesota members of APWA.

One of the highlights I will take away from the educational sessions that I attended was the “Dare to Ask Session: Women and Men Working Together.” In this open forum session, I was both intrigued and frustrated to hear members from all areas of the country discuss gender issues that they experience or see in the public works field. This topic was inspirational to me in that we all need to be paying attention to equity and the lack of diversity of not only women but other minorities (i.e., racial, and background-related) in public works. As I listened to each individual story one thing became a common theme in my mind: we need to keep talking about it! Even though sessions and trainings may not solve everything, they at least bring the issues to the forefront and get people thinking and understanding that there are many points of view that should be represented and considered. I appreciated the fact that this was something I experienced at PWX.

I also was able to attend the young professionals networking event on Monday night. There, I met other young professionals who were working to increase young professional membership in their chapters. It was refreshing to meet others who were near my stage of their careers who were also passionate about and engaged with their career and the professional network surrounding it. I plan to stay connected to those folks throughout our careers and hopefully meet again at future events.

Upon networking with other APWA Minnesota chapter members both at PWX and at other events, I have decided to get more involved with the local chapter. I am pursuing a committee position and look forward to serving the chapter and further growing my relationships with my co-members.